According to CORE standards, where may the MIC not be deployed?

The correct choice indicates that the Manager in Charge (MIC) should not be deployed in the Starter and Prep areas according to CORE standards. This is significant because the Starter station is often focused on customer service at the beginning of the order process, playing a key role in initial engagement and order taking. The Prep area refers to food preparation, which requires focused attention on product quality and safety standards.

Deploying the MIC in these areas might distract from their primary responsibilities, which include overseeing operations, managing staff, and ensuring customer satisfaction. The CORE standards are designed to maintain efficiency and ensure that each role at Taco Bell operates optimally, with managers best positioned to handle overall supervision rather than being tied up in specific food preparation tasks or front-line customer service.

In other scenarios, deployment of MIC in settings such as the Drive-thru, Dining room, Lobby, or Counter could allow for more effective oversight and management of customer interactions and operational efficiency, making the role of the MIC vital in those areas.